Originally Posted by
rosedog09
I ended up with a Microshift FD-M22 from my LBS. I do notice the spring tension is higher, but it seems manageable. I will find out once it's fully installed. The Shimano seemed really poorly designed ngl. The limit screws sit on a weak shelf and the metal is really thin.
It is a tourney derailleur it is designed around price points not quality. Unfortunately while Shimano makes products like Dura Ace and XTR they also make stuff deep in the basement as well. It is sad but stuff like tourney is good money for them as they will make a lot of money in replacement and selling tons of the stuff for low initial cost bikes.
Hopefully the Microshift derailleur will work a little better but don't expect a ton. The bike was designed as a low initial cost bike which means a more expensive bike then you (or in this case your brother) paid just not all up front.
When looking at a new bike avoid anything below 9 speed and you will generally get an OK bike that is likely to give fewer issues.